55-years-old-300x225-1random%It wasn’t too long ago that I would have never shared my age with anyone.  I vowed to be 29 until I turned 50 and then I would remain 39 years old forever.  A woman never divulges her age!   Really–what are we trying to hide that the lines on our faces don’t already tell.

On my 35th birthday, while standing in a busy grocery store line, my oldest son at 6 years old asked me how old I was.  I told him that I was only 29.  He stood there looking puzzled for a while and then said “but you said you were 29 last year”.  Every woman in line burst out laughing.  My cover was blown and I could never go back to being 29 again.

After years of fearing the process of getting older, I finally decided to jump on my Mother’s bandwagon.  At 70-something, she is content with all that she has been blessed with.  She is my example of how we should see ourselves.  She once asked me, “If we didn’t count the birthdays, how old would you feel?”  Without looking in the mirror, I would say 21!  That damned mirror!

I was in a panic when turning 30, it seemed so old.  At 40, I dreaded losing my youth.  At 50, I realized that my children were all grown up and able to take care of themselves—well mostly!  I enjoyed the freedom to spend time with my friends and be away from home for a quick trip without the guilt—well not too much guilt.  But at 55 I am still here and enjoying my life without the responsibilities I had in my 30’s and 40’s.   I want to be the best me I can be for whatever age I am.  It might take a little more work than it used to, but it’s worth the effort. With that said, don’t get me wrong, I am still looking for that special “whatever” that might make me look a little better.

My Mother reminds me that, “we aren’t getting out of this alive”.  So I will enjoy every minute I have been blessed with, and when my room is ready I plan on going like my Mother, “kicking and screaming every step of the way”!  But I’m going with my makeup on!!

Oh, and the best part of turning 55? The discounts!!  But I refuse to ask for the “senior citizen discount”, not just yet!

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